Pneumatic-tire casing.



G. G. HAWLEY &. E. K. BAKER.

PNEUMATIC TIRE CASING.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 11, 1908.

Patented Nov. 10, 1908.

' 3 SHEETSSHEET l.

m; d m w Z- u 0. G. HAWLBY 6;. E. K. BAKER.

U I BE Patented Nov. 10, 1908.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

U. G. HAWLEY &. E. K. BAKER.

PNEUMATIC TIRE CASING. APPLICATION FILED APR.11, 1908.

903,71 4. Patented Nov. 10, 1908.

3 SHEETSSHEET 3.

Snow tow Q91 M10000 3 shoe; Fig. 4 illustrates a modified 7 views of the clips whici shown lnFig. 1.

. In-these drawings we have shown in.-

I UNITED STATES.

PATENT OFFICE. f

OEIABLES GILBERT HAWLEY AND ERLE K. BAZKER, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

Pnnonn'nc-Tmn cnsme.

Specification of Letters'latent.

Patented Nov. 10, 1908.

Application filed April 1 1908. Serial No. 426,495.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, CHARLES GILBERT HAWLEY and ERLE K. BAKER, citizens of the United States, and residents of Chicagb, in

the county of Cook and State of Illinois.

cial reference to improvements in the form and construction of the base portions or inner peripheries and the sides of such articles.

The present invention is an improvement upon thatwhich is shown and described in Letters Patent X0. 865,326 anted to us September-3, 190T, and the ob ect of this invention isto somewhat simplify the structure therein shown, with a view to increasing the eliiciencyand durability of the casings or shoes and to lessen the cost thereof.

.Still further objects of the invention will appear hereinafter.

Our invention consists generally in a pneumatic tire casing or shoe of the construction herein described and particularly set forth in the appended claims. I,

Our invention will he more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings. forming a part of this specification. and in which Figure 1 is a cross sectional view of a pneui'natic tire casing embodying our invention, mounted upon a wheel rim; Fig. 2 is a cross sectimial view illustratin not only a but also the mold upon w ich it is formed; Fig. 3 is an enlarged detail sectidnalfiew of one of the edgesor base flan etpf the form of our base flange; Fig. 5 is an elevation of one. of the endless cables used in the tire; Fig. 6 is a similar view showing the cable in an incomplete stage and Figs.

we sometimes emloy to hold the several wra' pings of wire fore the sanie are united. 9 is a section of the tire, of Figs. 1 and 2, showing it as itappears before it is placed on the rim' vention in the form which we consider the best. It should be remarked, however, that 7 and 8 are detail from the spirit of the invention, which, therefore, is not confined to the specific details or forms herein shown.- This tire-casing or shoe when finished and ready for use inits preferred form is a unit or unitary structure.

In describing the make-up of the tire it is necessary to refer to the several portions thereof as though they were separate, but after vulcanization they become substantially integral.

Our tire casing or tire, has two base por-. tions, flanges, or feet so-called, which extend inwardly and are adapted to meet on the central or middle plane of the base. The thickness of the base portions preferably equals the height of the flanges, 1", on the wheel rim, 2, as indicated in F ig. 1, to receive the tread portion when the tire is deflated. In each base portion we place or embed an endles metallic cable or ring, (I. All of the pass beneath these rings or cables, and the edges of the pieces of cloth are folded, formed and supplemented in such manner as to make thick incompressible edges which lie within, 2'. e. at the inner sides of, the cables or rings; that is, each (:ible or ring lies between the heavy thickened pr enlarged edge formation and the outer or side portion of the tire casing. The endless rings or caelastic and nonstretchable. They are of but slightly greater diameter than the wheel rim and hence smaller than the rim flanges, 1-. It will be obvious, therefore, that when the casing has been set upon the rim in the manner shown in Fig. 1 it cannot be displaced by internal pressure orby side shocks, as the metaliic rings cannot be forced over the ,flanges, and therefore absolutely prevent In this manner we accomplish the first 1nitial and primary object of our invent on; namely, the. production of a tire -C2SIH2, which, after being placed upon the wheel, cannot and will not be removed therefrom by any of the forces to which it is subjected in use.

As explained and as shown, the endless rin or cables are preferably embedded and vulcanized in the base portions of our casing and therefore cannot shift or move therein. -The casing is made to fit the wheel rim snugly as shown, and the space between the courses or layers of canvas or friction cloth bles are large and strong and they are insuch of the base portions as would. permit them to pass over the rim flanges.

rim and the cables in both directions is determined and measured by the thickness of the several parts or layers of fabric that pass beneath the cables. V

The inner edges of the base portions, being principally composed of friction cloth and suitable fillers, are practically inextensible and non-compressible, but they are nevertheless, sutflciently contractible to be forced down upon and to hug the rim when they are subjected to the internal pressure of the inner tube. The combined effects of the hugging or gripping of the rim in this manner, made particularly effective by the holding rings or cables, and the effect of the outward pressure of the base portions againstthe wheel flanges effectually prevent the slipping of the inflated casing on the wheel rim, and this being obviated, what is called rim cutting is prevented. Thus further objects of our invention are attained.

lVe desire that notice be also taken of the .fact that the sides of our casing. so far as concerns the fabric portion, are of uniform thickness from a pomt or hne beneath one cable around to a corresponding point beneath the opposite cable. These points or lines, marked by the inner peripheries of the cables, are the hinge points between the base of the tire and the sides of the tire. The latter may therefore work freely over the proved casing are not circular in cross section, as before, but are of flattened form and present their flat sides parallel with and in substantial contact with the sides of the easing. These cables possess great strength and yet occupy little space in the flanges, laterally considered. In consequence of the use of the flattened or thin cables, we are able to relatively increase the size of the fillers that are formed or wrapped within the inner edges of the several layers of friction cloth or fabric. These fillers preferably rise to about the height or outer peripheries of the cables and are vulcanized to the layers of fabric, forming therewith stout edges for engagement with the inner sides of respective cables and which cannot possibly be pulled out beneath them when in place on the rim.

A flexible; lip 11 formed on the inner edge of one of the flanges, laps upon the other flange and closes the joint between them.

This joint-is further closed by the pressure of the inner tube upon the lip 11 when the tire is inflated and if desired may be depended upon to hold the compressed air, though we prefer to always use an inner tube in our casing, as shown.

We also desire that notice be taken of the manner in which the layers of canvas are disposed beneath the cables and on opposite sides thereof. The construction is such as to enable the relatively easy stripping off of the three outer layers of canvas, when required in repairing the tire, a point of great practical importance.

A furtherdistinctive feature of our present invention resides in the peculiar formation of the endless cables 11 as depicted in Figs. 5 to 8. Our cable as here shown, is made from a sin le piece or strand of wire wrapped many tunes about or upon a suitable form. The ring thus made is temporarily fastened by clips (1 or by particles of solder and we then late or coat either part or all of the cable with solder, copper or like metal which metallically unifies the several wrappings or strands of wire and, obviously, serves to unite the ends of the wire and prevent the opening or stretching of the cable. Though the cable is oval in cross section, it cannot collapse or be otherwise distorted after the strands are unified in this manner.

Because the article is a unitary structure and because accurate descri tions of several sections of the casing, ta en at different points, require the use of op osite terms, it is somewhat diflicult to clear set forth the form and make-up of the article except the method or process of making the tire casing be also described and except a definite sec tion of the article be selected as representative of the whole. To this end we have represented in Fig. 2 the tire mold whereon the parts are assembled and will hereinafter make reference to a section of the tire or casing taken at itstop. The terms hereinafter used to indicate direction are only appropriate to such cross section.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to Fig. 2; A, represents the inner, portion or core part of the tire mold. C, represents the central or mid portion of the mold, and, B, B, the two outer sections of the mold. The bottom or inner periphery of the core, A, contains a groove, (1., which receives the edge of the mid portion, One side, a, of the groove is. low, the other side, (1 is high. The V edge of the mid strip, c, on one side is substantially co-extensive, on the other it only partially occupies the groove, a, a wedge shaped recess being left between the surface, 0, of the mid strip and the surface, a, of thecore, a. The surface, a is substantially flat, except in the curved portion, a", where it merges with the side of the core, whereas the surface, a, is prefer- 130 ably concave and merges'with its side of the core in a reverse curve, a, corresponding to the curve, a. The spaces between the sides of the core. A, and the inner sides of the 'mold pieces, bb. the spaces corresponding to the thickness of .the layers of canvas, as

clearly shown. The bottom surfaces, 6, of

" the parts, B'B are preferably inclined downwardlyand in forcing them upon the raw or unvulcanized structure have the effect of. wedging the thick edges up against the core..A. The outer sections of the mold are applied and bolted in place only after the structure has been built up on the core, A, and the mid section. C. that is. just before the raw. casing or tire is placed in the vulcanizer. The wrappings used for forming the tread portion are wrapped on over the tire and the mold in the usual manner, or, an outer tread molding section may be substituted for the wrappings.

Having defined the nature, positions and parts constituting our novel casing we will now describe the manner of constructing the same, in order that others may fully understand the manner of carrying the invention I into effect.

piece. C. When the fabric. 6, has been secured in place the soft rubber fillers. 10, are placed on the bottom of the mold,--and the .cloth is pressed down upon the same. The

soft rubber tiller from which the lip, 11, is formed. is then pres ed into place upon the fabric. 6. whereupon the tiremaker is ready to place the endless cables or rings, (1, upon the mold. These rings are placed within the ringor collar formed by the stripof fabric, 6. and the edges of said strip are crimped downover and around the cables or rings, d,

. as well shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Before the cables are placed. they are coated with rubber. and the folded or crimped fabric holds them firmly enough. to permit the main layers or courses of fabric to be laid and formed thereon with ease and rapidity and without detrimentally displacing the cables. It may herebe mentioned that thestrips'of 65. fabric, 6, serve four purposes; first, they temporarily hold the metal rings or cables, in the manner explained ;second, the strips, 6, permanently inclose the cables, helping to hold the same and relieving the main layers or courses of fabric from any possible abrasion thereby; third, the strips, 6, traverse the space above or outside of the cables and preventthe disruption of the masses or rubber, 10, therein ;-and fourth, the inner edge of the strip, 6, effectually strengthens the flexible lip, 11, and prevents the tearing thereof by the workmens mold stripping tools or when inner tubes are being placed in or taken from the casing.

\Ve much prefer an endlessmetal cable or band composed of many strands as in Figs. 5 and 6. Each cable preferably formed of a single piece of wire wrapped and has the cross sectional shape shown in Figs. 1 to 4. The wrappings or turns of wire are temporarily secured by small pieces of wire wrapped transversely thereon or preferably by means of light sheet metal clips, (1', of the kind shown in Figs. 7 and 8. After being secured in this mamier, we plate or coat the cable in any suitable manner, permitting the metal to enter the interstices of the coil or cable. The transverse wrappings or clips preferably remain on the cable and are coated with the rest thereof. Such a cable at every point, possesses the strength represented by its cross section and the diflicult-ies attending the joining of the ends of a ready made woven cable are eliminated. On the other hand a cable of our present constructioii is much stronger than a solid welded ring and is considerably more flexible. Nevertheless we desire that it shall be 1mderstood that our. invention comprehends the substitution of solid rings for the built up endless rings or cables herein shown. hen the strip, 6, the rubber fillers, and the cables havebeen applied to the mold in the manner explained the. first course or layer of fabric, 1, is stretched on the mold core A, and its edges are folded inwardlyaround the respective cables.

become the inner and lower edges or corners of the base flanges. The fillers, '12 preferably of hard rubber, are then forced into place between the mid strip and respective cables. It will be noted that the upper sur faces, 12, of these fillers are convex. If desired the fillers may be triangular, but we The edges are carried .up to points above the cables and thence prefer the fuller section herein shown. The layer of-fabric, 3, is then applied and as shown its edges are carried downward beneath the cables and thence cross below the fillers, to the mid strip. The layer, 4, if used, follows and is like the layer 3. Then,

before the layer, 5, is applied, the edges, 1; of the layer, 1, are folded down and out rubber coating or envelop 14.

'e prefer to carry the side sheets, 14', of the rubber cover down to points where the rim flanges engage the base of the casing. The crude or raw casing or shoe is now ready for vulcanizing and the outer mold parts, B, having been forced into lace the wrappings are applied and the who e placed in the vulcanizer. \Vhen removed from the vulcanizer the wrappings and the mold Sections, B, B, are taken off, and the parting or mid strip, C, is disengaged and removed, after which the strip, 6, is severed with a knife. The core, A, being then removed, the tire is left, ready for use.

For use on certain rims we prefer to form the tire casing as shown -in Fig.2, z. 6. with base flanges that flare inwardly toward the wheel center. Other rims require the base flanges to be straight or to flare outwardly, and for such we form the tire as indicated in Fig. 4, iving the base flanges thedesired form by means of wedge shaped rings or bands, E, which we place upon the flanges before forcing the side pieces, B, into place.

As various modifications of our invention and its several features, will readily suggest themselves to others, we do not limit the invention to the specific structures herein shown and described.

Having thus described our invention we claim as new and desire toseeure by Letters Patent:

1. A tire casing provided with inwardly extending base portlons which substantially meet at their inner edges and have endless metal rings embedded in their outer parts and cooperating fillers embedded in their mner parts, said rings being vertically elongated m cross section, as and for the purpose specified.

2. A tire casing having inwardly extendmg baseportions adapted to abut and containing en dless cables in their outer parts and cotiperating fillers intheir inner parts, said cables bemg vertically elongated in cross section and presenting their flat sides posed between said baseportions and the ad acent side portions'ofthe casing, substantially as described.

4. A-tire casing comprising a number of layers or courses of fabric, in combination with endless metal rings each composed of a single piece of wire and vertically elongated in cross section, ring like fillers parallel with respective rings, the edges of said layers being carried beneath respective rings and inclosing respective fillers and a covering of rubber, forming a "tread portion, the whole being vulcanized and comprlsmg a unitary structure, substantially as described. I

5. A tire casing comprising a number of layers of fabric, in combination with endless metal i'ings, ring like fillers parallel with respective rings, rubber fillersenveloping said rings, the edges of said layers bemg carried beneath respective rings, the mner layers in each case being carried upward at the inner side of the metal ring, thence across the filler and thence downwardly at the inner side of the filler, the outer layer in each case extending across. beneath the filler, andthe whole being vulcanized and constitutinga unitary structure, substantially as described. I

6. A tire casing comprising a plurality of layers of fabric, two endless metal rmgs vertically elongated in cross section and having flat sides, ring like fillers parallel with respective rings and separate pieces of fabric covering said metal rings, the edge portions of all layers being carried beneath respective metal rings and enveloping respective fillers, the whole bemg vul eanized and constituting a unitary structure, substantially as described.

7. A tire casing having inwardly extending base portions, each containing an inexpansible endless metal ring composed of a plurality of turns or wraps of wlre metal- .lically unified and vertically elongated in cross section, substantially as described.

8. A tire casing having in each'edge or base portion an endless metal'ring composed of a plurality of turns or wraps of wire metallic-ally unified at intervals, substantially as described.

9. A tire casing having in each edge or base portion an endless metal ring composed of a plurality of turns or wraps. of Wire metallically unifiedthroughout, substantially as described.

10. A tire casing having in each edge an endlessring comprising a plurality of turns or wraps of wire mechanically united at several points and metallically unified,.substantially as described.

11. The herein described article of manufacture comprising a tire casing having embedded in each edge an endless ring com-' posed of aplurality of turns or wraps of wire metallically unified and provided at ,intervals with substantially integral enlargements, substantially as described.

12. A tire casing comprising a plurality of layers of fabric, in combinatlon with endless metal rings and ring like-fillers parallel with respective rings, the edges of the inner layers of fabric passingupwardly at the inner sides of respective rings. and thence downwardly over respective fillers, the edges] of the onterlayers of fabric passing beneath respective rings and fillers. and inclosing the edge of at least one of the inner layers in each case, the whole constituting a unitary structure, substantially as described.

13.. A tire casing having inwardly extending thick base portions containing in their outer parts endless metal rings, pieces of. fabric covering respective rings and extending across respective base portions and a flexible lip of rubber upon one only of said base portionsbeneath the fabric strip thereof, the whole vulcanized and constituting a unitary structure, substantially as described.

14. A tire casing comprising a plurality of layers of fabric, endless metal rings which are vertically elongated in cross section, fillers of substantially incompressible vulcanizable material and masses of rubber enveloping said metal rings,- the edge portions of certain layers extending upwardly at the inner sides of respective rings and thence downwardly over respective fillers, the edges of other layers extending beneath respective rings and fillers and the whole being vul-.

canized and constituting a unitary struc-- ture, substantially as described.

15. A tire casing provided with inwardly extending base portions having inextensible cross section embedded in their outer parts and fillers embedded in their inner parts respectively, the portions containing the fillers endless metal rings vertically elongated in being flared inwardly towards the center of the tire and of less diameter than the portions containing the rings, substantially as described.

In testimony-whereof,- we have hereunto set our hands, this 28th day of March, 1908, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

CHARLES GILBERT HAWLEY. ERLEK. BAKER. Witnesses:

JoHN R. LEFEVRE,

M. SIMON. 

